Ajodhya Hills: Offbeat and Serene Weekend Escape in West Bengal

About this tour

Ajodhya Hills, nestled in the Purulia district of West Bengal, is a hidden gem for adventure seekers and natuure enthusiasts. Known for its rolling hills, waterfalls, tribal culture, temples, and rich folklore, it’s an ideal weekend getaway from Kolkata, Ranchi, or Jamshedpur.

Highlights: 

• Bamni & Turga waterfalls

• Marble lake

• Tribal villages and culture

• Muruguma Dam

• Mayur Pahar

• Pakhi Pahar

• Thakurani Hill Temple

• Ancient temples and mythological spots

• Upper & Lower Dam areas

• Chhow dance

• Mayur Pahar and Charida village (Chhou dance mask village)

✨ Suggested Itinerary Extension:

If you’re staying 5-6 days, here’s how to extend your tour:

Day 4: 

• Visit Muruguma Dam + Deulghata Temples

• Overnight at Purulia / Raghunathpur

Day 5: 

• Visit Joychandi Pahar + Baranti Reservoir

• Evening return / overnight stay

Day 6: 

• Visit Garh Panchkot + Maithon Dam

• Departure via Dhanbad / Asansol route

Nearby Places to Cover Around Ajodhya Hills: 

1. Khirabera Dam

• Distance: ~12 km from Ajodhya Hills

• Highlights: Serene, lesser-known dam with boating (seasonal), perfect for a picnic and birdwatching

• Activity: Nature walk, photography

2. Muruguma Dam & Lake

• Distance: ~22 km from Bagmundi

• Highlights: Picturesque lake surrounded by hills; peaceful and less crowded

• Activity: Boating (seasonal), nature retreat

3. Joychandi Pahar

• Distance: ~45 km from Ajodhya Hills / 15 km from Purulia town

• Highlights: A hillock with a temple on top, popular among trekkers and rock climbers

• Famous For: Satyajit Ray’s movie “Hirak Rajar Deshe” was shot here

• Activity: Sunrise/sunset hike, temple visit, rock climbing

4. Matha Forest and Mahadebbera Village

• Distance: ~20 km

• Highlights: Rich tribal culture and forested landscape

• Activity: Cultural tourism, tribal handicrafts, guided forest trails

5. Panchet Dam & Maithon Dam (via Jharia Route)

• Distance: ~70–80 km (approx. 2–2.5 hrs drive)

• Highlights: Major reservoirs on the Damodar River; Maithon has a lake island and a Deer Park

• Activity: Boating, dam visit, scenic drives

6. Kushaldih & Deulghata

• Distance: ~30–35 km from Ajodhya Hills

• Highlights: Ancient terracotta temples from the 9th–10th centuries

• Activity: Heritage photography, historical exploration

7. Baranti (near Raghunathpur)

• Distance: ~55 km

• Highlights: A tranquil reservoir surrounded by hills and forests, famous for sunsets and migratory birds

• Activity: Birdwatching, peaceful stay in eco-resorts

8. Kalyaneshwari Temple & Maithon Lake 

• Distance: ~85 km

• Highlights: Sacred Shakti Peetha and lakeside area for day trips

• Activity: Pilgrimage, picnic, boating

9. Garpanchkot (Garh Panchkot)

• Distance: ~65 km from Ajodhya Hills

• Highlights: Ruins of a 16th-century fort and temples at the foothills of Panchet Hill

• Activity: Trekking, heritage walks, nature stay